Do I need prior surfing experience to join?

No prior surfing experience is required; instructors provide tailored guidance for beginners through advanced participants.

What should I bring for the yoga session?

Comfortable clothing and a yoga mat are recommended; mats may be provided but bringing your own ensures comfort and hygiene.

Is lunch included in the retreat?

Yes, a delicious lunch is provided to refuel you between yoga and surf sessions.

What is the group size?

The retreat is designed for up to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention from instructors.

Can I rent surfing equipment on-site?

Surfboards and wetsuits are provided by the instructors for use during the session.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please refer to the booking website for specific cancellation terms, as policies may vary depending on timing and circumstances.

Rejuvenate and Ride the Waves: Yoga and Surf Retreat in East Lothian | Surf | Water Activities

Located on Scotland’s scenic southeast coast, the East Lothian Yoga and Surf Day Retreat offers a refreshing combination of mindful movement and coastal adventure just outside the historic town of Dunbar. This unique experience unfolds at a charming 200-year-old Victorian Stables venue, where you’ll start your day with a two-hour yoga session led by expert instructor Sally Jean Rankin. Her guidance blends gentle strength and breath awareness, preparing your body to meet the demands of the waves later in the day.

Following your morning yoga, indulge in a nourishing lunch that fuels both body and mind. Then the group moves to nearby Belhaven Bay—renowned for its long, sandy shoreline and gentle beach breaks perfect for surfers of all levels. Expert instructors take the reins here, ensuring you get personalized coaching whether this is your first time on a board or you’re sharpening your technique. This bay is not only a favored surf spot in East Lothian but also a locale where North Sea winds and tides create consistent, fun waves framed by wide views of the Firth of Forth.

East Lothian’s coastline blends natural beauty with accessible adventure, offering visitors an immersive way to experience Scotland’s outdoors in both motion and stillness. The surf conditions are beginner-friendly yet engaging, while the yoga practice complements the ocean environment by enhancing balance, flexibility, and mental focus.

Dunbar, the nearest town, provides quaint accommodations and local charm with easy access to coastal trails, making it a fitting base for travelers wanting to extend their stay. The region’s geological backdrop includes striking cliff formations and expansive beaches that catch the changing light, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

This retreat stands out for its seamless integration of wellness and water sports, a relatively rare offering along the Scottish coast, where rugged landscapes typically dominate. The historic stable setting adds authentic character and a sense of place, grounding the retreat participants in local heritage.

Overall, if you’re seeking a day that balances physical activity with restorative calmness, combining a classic British seaside surf experience with the mindful discipline of yoga, this East Lothian retreat delivers both with style and expert guidance. Whether you come solo or with friends, it’s a well-rounded, invigorating escape to Scotland’s shores.

About Ocean Vertical

Ocean Vertical is an outdoor adventure company based in Dunbar, Scotland, offering guided sea, woodland and mountain experiences across East Lothian and the Scottish Highlands. The programme includes paddle boarding (SUP) courses with ASI qualified instructors, coasteering along rugged coastline, winter mountaineering and hillwalking skills, woodland archery and axe-throwing, surfing, yoga and SUP retreats, and family adventure camps run in partnership with Foxlake.

Sessions range from focused two- and three-hour skill sessions to full-day and multi-hour winter mountain expeditions. All paddle boarding courses provide equipment and coaching; some activities emphasize wildlife viewing, with opportunities to observe seals and dolphins along East Lothian shores. Winter mountain experiences teach navigation and ice-axe techniques for safe, informed hill travel under expert guidance.

Ocean Vertical also operates The Bothy co-working space and offers private adventure sessions tailored to individual groups. Youth programmes include the Ultimate Adventure Camp for children aged seven to fifteen, combining water and land activities during school holidays.

Safety and professional instruction are central to the offering. ASI qualification is noted for paddle boarding instruction, and winter trips are led by experienced mountaineering guides. Activities take place in diverse natural settings, including coastal cliffs, tidal islands, woodland lochs and mountainous terrain, delivering both technical skills and outdoor recreation.

Booking details, session durations and equipment lists are published with each activity description. The company is featured on The Adventure Collective and serves locals and visitors seeking guided outdoor experiences in East Lothian and the Highlands. Advanced bookings are recommended during peak seasons.